What is Generator: Definition and 1000 Discussions

In electricity generation, a generator is a device that converts motive power (mechanical energy) into electrical power for use in an external circuit. Sources of mechanical energy include steam turbines, gas turbines, water turbines, internal combustion engines, wind turbines and even hand cranks. The first electromagnetic generator, the Faraday disk, was invented in 1831 by British scientist Michael Faraday. Generators provide nearly all of the power for electric power grids.
The reverse conversion of electrical energy into mechanical energy is done by an electric motor, and motors and generators have many similarities. Many motors can be mechanically driven to generate electricity; frequently they make acceptable manual generators.

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  1. C

    Obtain the voltage of the generator and the phase angle

    Homework Statement An ac generator has a frequency of 4.80 kHz and produces a current of 0.0400 A in a series circuit that contains only a 231-Ω resistor and a 0.250-µF capacitor. Obtain the voltage of the generator and the phase angle between the current and the voltage across the...
  2. I

    Pulse Generator & Repitition Rate

    Ok, I used one of these in an experiment the other day but i did not fully understand it. I was setting up an RC circuit, and a pulse generator was connected to the circuit setting a repetition rate of 1ms. But a) What was the role of the pulse generator b) Is the repetition rate like inverse...
  3. R

    Many-worlds true quantum event generator

    Hi, what cheap device is available where a quantum choice can be made.. for example.. particle that goes to left or right path or other similar? I'd like to experience what it is like to split myself between going to work or stay at home. According to Many World Interpretation, when I observe...
  4. W

    Building a Wind Generator with a DC Motor

    Hi everyone. This is my first time trying this. So please be gentle. My question is to do with a dc motor. I want to build a wind generator and I am trying to figure out what size motor to start with and try to size the blades to get the best out of it. I know that their is a lot of other...
  5. F

    Asynchronous generator running off grid on capacitor bank

    can anyone tell me if it is possible to run a asynchronous generator from a capacitor bank and what it may entail.
  6. Evil Bunny

    Can a Generator Be Hooked to the Power Grid at 180 Degrees Out of Phase?

    What would happen if I hooked up a generator at my house (voltage and frequency identical) to the power grid and it was 180 degrees out of phase?
  7. U

    Can a high-Vdc power supply be an electrostatic generator?

    Hello all, I am interested in placing a static charge on a conductor by means of an electrical circuit. One way to do this is by means of a Van de Graaff generator which uses the triboelectric effect to generate net charges, then places them onto two conductors having equal but opposite...
  8. S

    Mathematica Can I Create a Pattern with Alternating 1's and 0's in Mathematica?

    I am using co = 0; co++ If[Mod[co, 20, 1] > 10, 1, 0]; which is used in an iterative function which produces 10 1' s 10 0' s, 10 1' s 10 0' s and so on ... Could I use a similar method to produce 10 1' s then 5 0' s, 10 1's 5 0' s and so on...
  9. U

    Where does charge go in this van de Graaff generator?

    Sorry, I had a long post that just got eaten by my computer so I am having to re-type my question. It will need to be brief: Here is an example of a van de Graaff generator: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/electric/vandeg.html It notes that the bottom brush is "given a positive...
  10. PainterGuy

    Signal Generator: Frequency Calculation Help Needed

    hello fine people, some days back saw a signal generator. it has buttons labelled as 1hz, 10hhz,1k,2k,5k,etc. it does not has its own display. you can connect it to some external device for display. me do not have access to it now. it had a dial which could be turn with markings 0.5,2.5,0.1...
  11. G

    Homomorphic Group and the Image of Generator

    Homework Statement Let phi be a homomorphism from the group G under * to the group G' under #, where G = <a>, the cyclic group generated by a. Show that phi is completely determined by the image of the generator a of G. Homework Equations Phi is a homomorphism, therefore phi(x*y) =...
  12. R

    HHO Generator Design for 6.4L V8 Engines

    Has anyone come up with a design for an HBO generator to run an engine just on hho? How many lpm would I need to produce to run a 6.4 litre v8
  13. M

    Wind Turbine Science Fair Project - Generator Coil Problem

    Homework Statement My son and I have built a wind turbine following the plans on: Build your own Wind Turbine Designed by Dave Mussell http://www.re-energy.ca/docs/wind-turbine-cp.pdf" . These plans were inspired by the Picoturbine: link to manufacturer and link to PDF. We used 30 AWG...
  14. J

    Axial flux generator dual rotor question

    I am building an axial flux generator with dual rotor and single stator. I was doing calculations and have a magnet pole pair question i need help with, there are 12 magnets on each rotor with North pole on one rotor across from South pole on the other rotor. Since there are 24 total magnets...
  15. S

    What is the maximum induced emf in a rotating coil generator?

    Homework Statement In a rotating coil generator, the magnetic field between the poles of an electromagnet has the magnitude .40T. A circular coil between the poles has 120 turns and radius 4.0 cm. The coil rotates with frequency 5Hz. Find the maximum emf induced in the coil. Homework...
  16. R

    High frequency alternating magnetic field generator

    i have been working on generating high frequency alternating magnetic field (amf) generator (100-500 khz range) to magnetize magnetic nanoparticles contained in a plastic test-tube wound with copper wires around which amf has to be generated. what is the best option to choose for such an...
  17. W

    Orbital Perpetual Motion Generator

    I'm probably going to make a fool of myself for asking this, but that's what the anonymity of the internet is for right? (That and other things that you probably won't find at a physics forum) If I understand correctly, and I may well not, the reason you cannot build a device that will...
  18. K

    What is the force that slows a generator down when a load is applied?

    hi, everyone know that when electrical load is applied to a generator, the generator slows down. Now my question is what actually slows the generator, what kind of force and how much is that force this question my sound weired to many but i need a very definate answer. thanks in advance
  19. radou

    Cyclic group generator problem

    Homework Statement Let <a> be a cyclic group, where ord(a) = n. Then a^r generates <a> iff r and n are relatively prime. The Attempt at a Solution OK, let n and r be relatively prime. Then ord(a^r) = n. We need to show that for some j, there exists an integer k such that (a^r)^k = a^j...
  20. X

    Calculating Average Power of 130V RMS Generator Circuit

    Homework Statement A generator with an rms voltage of 130V is connected in series to a resistor 3.65k\Omega and a capacitor 3.00\muF. Using the frequency found in part A (47.5Hz), find the average power consumed by this circuit. \phi = 17degrees Homework Equations Latex isn't...
  21. P

    Charging a lithium ion battery pack with a thermoelectic generator

    So I was wondering if I could get some help and advice on a project I am working on. I have next to no experience or knowledge of electrical circuits so I appreciate your patience. I am trying to power a structural health monitoring system "accelerometer" unit on a bridge using...
  22. C

    DC Permanent Magnetic Generator Help

    Hey guys, I want to build a DC Permanent Magnetic Generator that will generate electricity which I want to pass through a Bridge Rectifier to produce DC electricity which I'll store in batteries or I want to pass it through a power inverter for domestic use. Is this possible? I was...
  23. J

    Linear Generator Coil Requirements

    Hey I'm interested in designing a linear electricity generator (think magnetic piston moving back and forth in a coil housing) and was wondering if anyone could reference where I should look for designing the coils/magnets. Thanks!
  24. I

    Can a Hydrogen-Cooled Generator Run on Air Instead?

    Hi, Can someone help me in this matter: I would like to know if it is possible to use air instead of hydrogen in a hydrogen-cooled generator. If it is possible, what would be the conditions to do it. If not please justify your answer (e.g. safety reasons, efficiency, what can go...
  25. 1

    Maximum Potential and Charge of Generator

    Homework Statement A Van de Graaff generator is used to demonstrate the effects of high potential. The device has a radius of 86.0 cm and stands in air. What is its maximum potential? (Note: An electric field of 3 × 106 Vm is sufficiently large to cause sparking in air.) How much charge...
  26. P

    Where can I purchase a thermoelectric generator?

    I am not an electrical engineer and my understanding of electric circuits is very limited but I was needing to power a 4.5 volt accelerometer by use of a thermoelectric generator. Does anyone have any suggestions on where I can pick one up?
  27. B

    Calculating energy produced by induction generator

    If a cylindrical induction generator has: a diameter of 4 inches 500 turns (coils) of #30 wire 4 2in magnets of unknown magnetic field strength and motor generating 3000RPM Note that the magnets will be rotating parallel to the turns in the coil. See attachment for concept...
  28. D

    Van de Graaff Generator in a Vacuum

    So I am in an intro E&M class and the topic of Van de Grraaff generators came up. The instructor said that when there is enough charge on the surface then there is corona discharge. But what would happen if the generator was in a vacuum? Then there would be no corona created. So would the amount...
  29. A

    Effect of sudden loss of reactive power for an induction generator

    So I am having this problem at work where a 150kW induction motor is being used as an induction generator. There is a capacitor bank in parallel to the induction generator which is primarily for PFC(the reactive power requirement of the generator is fed by the grid). Assume the induction...
  30. A

    Quantum random number generator with radioactive decay

    hello! i'm planning to build such a generator, but i have some questions: 1. what dimensions and materials are needed to shield one typical geiger-muller tube from the background radiation? 2. even with the complete protection, is it possible that the counter tube will trigger without...
  31. B

    Understanding Reverse Current in Linear Generators

    Hello, so another question I can't find the answer to anywhere else: at what point in a magnets travels does it reverse the current in a linear generator? I am imagining a solenoid with a cylindrical magnet N on top S on bottom and as its moving up to the top of the solenoid its 'pushing'...
  32. B

    Double permanent magnet generator

    So I can't seem to find out why generators aren't designed so that the coils are passing in between TWO magnets N facing in and S facing out, and then S facing in N facing out etc. The flux density between two magnets is obviously greater and the flux lines are 'straighter' (more lines of flux...
  33. K

    The generator of Galilean boosts

    Hey folks, I'm reading a paper by T.F. Jordan which was referenced in chapter 3 of Ballentine. He's introducing the Galilei group commutation relations, and I'm having trouble with one of them in particular. He states that in the Heisenberg picture, time dependent position operators can be...
  34. G

    Dilation generator in QM; Problem 3.1 in Ballentine

    I am working my way through Ballentine's Quantum Mechanics and I am stuck on the following problem. Homework Statement Problem 3.1 from Ballentine: Quantum Mechanics Space is invariant under the scale transformation x\to x'=e^cx where c is a parameter. The corresponding unitary...
  35. I_am_learning

    Why do Induction Generator need capacitor bank?

    I can't understand why Induction Generator when diving stand-alone load must be provided with capacitance bank. In fact I am not sure as how induction generator works at all. Here is my attempt. When the rotor rotates, then due to residual flux initially some voltage will induce in the...
  36. E

    Electricity generator theory question

    What are the factors that influence a generators output (efficiency?). Does the rotational speed of the magnets influence output? If so, by what magnitude can this be increased? ie. If a system is running at x rpm by what relation can the output be increased if the rotational speed is through...
  37. P

    Exploring the AC Generator in an LRC Circuit

    Homework Statement An AC generator in an LRC circuit produces a voltage V(t) = 1.414sin(wt) = 1.414sin(1000t) The values of inductance, capacitance, and resistance are shown in the diagram. Recall the w = 2pi*f. i made a picture of the diagram...
  38. S

    Is Digi-Key the Best Source for Parts Information and Ordering?

    When the rotor is turned, it is common to measure the voltage by multimeter. However, there is a problem that I cannot fully understand. When I directly measure the voltage by connecting the two terminals of generator, it is found that the measurement is not same as the voltage across a...
  39. F

    Very Large Scale Wind Generator

    Renewable Energy (RE) Sources are a hot topic, but careful study of the solutions thus far offered make realizing RE as more than a tiny percentage of demand unrealistic. I have been thinking on an idea for a very large scale wind generator that I think is a potential solution for many of the...
  40. S

    Is there an Optimal RPM for a DC generator?

    Is there an Optimal RPM for a DC generator?? I would like to ask if there is an optimal rpm for a DC generators? Or the faster it rotates, the more power it generates? The specification of the motor is as follow: http://www.mitsumi.co.jp/latest/Catalog/pdf/motorav_m25e_11.pdf
  41. J

    Generating Power with a Motor and Generator Setup

    Hi I have this idea I was thinking of: may not be great but seems to be good. The idea is to have a 15 amp motor connected to a alternator via a pulley/belt system. Having that motor connected to a inverter, so when you turn on the inverter it would turn on the power to the motor causing the...
  42. T

    PERE'S LAW AND FARADAY'S LAW OF INDUCTION

    Homework Statement A bar magnet inserted into a coil of 500 turns produces an induced potential of 1.5 Volts, Determine the potential difference induced when each of the following changes are made a) a 250 turn coil is used b) the bar magent is moved twice as fast c) Three identical...
  43. D

    Lenz Law in a single-phase pulsed induction generator

    Hello. I have made a little generator which is running quite efficiently but i would like to see if i can squeeze one or two percent more out of it. My physics knowledge is very poor and i wonder if anyone could tell me how Lenz's Law is affecting the device. I will describe it then attach...
  44. G

    Matlab/Simulink self-excitation for induction generator

    Hi, I am doing a project and part of it is to simulate a self excitation of the induction generator. I know that it needs capacitors in order to receive reactive power. So I added a load block with capacitive power only. And there is no current nor voltage in the circuit. Why? What am I doing...
  45. T

    Step up transformer + ac generator question

    Homework Statement An AC generator, originally designed to provide a peak output of +/- 155V at frequency 60Hz, is required to provide a peak output of +/- 340V at 50Hz. If the generator is connected to a transformer with 200 loops in its primary coil, how many loops should there be in the...
  46. B

    A generator having power and creating work for a crane

    Homework Statement "A motor having an efficiencyof 88% operates a crane having an efficiency of 42%. With what constant speed doess the crane lift a 410-kg crate of machine parts if the power supplied to the motor is 5.5kW" e'=42% e=88% m=410 kg dr=? de=? t=? g=9.8m/s square...
  47. J

    Peak Voltage vs magnet position in an A.C generator

    I have a question about a magnets position over a coil of wire in an A.C generator. Is the voltage in the coil at Peak as long as its covered by the magnet? and then the voltage starts to decrease to 0 volts as the magnet starts uncovering the coil until the magnet totally uncovers the coil and...
  48. L

    Generator output question

    Generator output question... Hi there, If I were to drive an electric generator from, for example, a 200Kw petrol engine, would the output of the generator also be 200Kw, or would I loose some power along the way? And if so, why? Many thanks.
  49. C

    Calculating Power Generated by DC Generator for 6V Battery

    Hi, I'm trying to work on this interesting little project that involves charging a 6V battery using a simple DC generator powered by a wheel spun manually. The equations for the DC generator output would be : E = N B v sin(theta) x 10-8 if I'm correct. E being the voltage, N=number of...
  50. V

    Designing a Variable Directed EMF Generator: Difficulty and Schematics

    I'm relatively new here, but I felt that you guys might be able to help me. I'm trying to design a directed electromagnetic field generator with a variable field strength and oscillation rate. What I'd really like to know is exactly how difficult would this be? My EE experience is rather...
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